Florida police unveil $148K flying patrol vehicle

You may be used to seeing police cars cruising through your neighborhood or helicopters flying overhead. But what if an officer could respond to an emergency in a small electric aircraft that looks like a giant drone? That idea is getting closer to reality in Florida. The Florida Polytechnic University Police Department in Lakeland has introduced a flying patrol vehicle that the university has nicknamed Astro. Jetson, the company behind the Jetson ONE personal flying machine, built the single-seat aircraft.

According to the university, it's the first U.S. law enforcement agency to add this type of piloted electric aircraft to its fleet. Jetson calls it a world first. However, Astro still needs FAA authorization before officers can use it for operational police patrols. Here's how Astro works and why police believe this unusual aircraft could change the way they respond to emergencies.

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FLYING SPORTS CAR HIDES ITS WINGS AS PRODUCTION GETS CLOSER

Astro gets its name from the dog in the classic cartoon The Jetsons. The aircraft even looks like something George Jetson might have parked outside his house. Astro uses electric vertical takeoff and landing technology, commonly called eVTOL. As a result, it can lift straight into the air without needing a runway. Unlike a conventional police helicopter, Astro has a compact frame that folds for easier transport and storage. The aircraft features an open cockpit surrounded by a lightweight frame.

Eight electric motors power its eight propellers. Meanwhile, a four-axis joystick allows the pilot to control its movement. Florida Polytechnic University selected the Jetson ONE to explore its potential for law enforcement. The aircraft arrived during summer 2026. Since then, police personnel have completed flight training, according to Jetson. That includes Police Chief Aaron Murray. Jetson also identifies the aircraft by its registration number, N911FP. The number references emergency services and Florida Polytechnic University. Jetson tells CyberGuy that Astro is a standard Jetson ONE with police lights added. Officers use a handheld radio, and the aircraft has mounts for action cameras. The company says a pilot-controlled searchlight could be added in the future.

Astro may look compact, but its advertised performance is impressive. According to Jetson's published specifications, the aircraft can reach speeds of 63 mph. That's fast enough to cover short distances across a large campus without following roads or dealing with traffic. However, battery life limits how long it can stay airborne. Jetson estimates approximately 20 minutes of flight time per charge, making Astro better suited to short missions than extended patrols. Jetson tells CyberGuy that the aircraft takes approximately 90 minutes to recharge using a 240-volt connection. Charging through a standard household outlet takes about three hours. However, officers can swap batteries between flights. This allows them to return to the air sooner if fully charged replacements are available. Each flight still lasts approximately 20 minutes.